There are three major types of pool filtering system: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Sand and DE filters use a multiport valve primarily to help clean or backflush the filter media. Cartridge filters do not have multiport valves. These filters are cleaned by removing the cartridge and spraying it with a garden hose. A typical multiport valve has 7 settings: filter, backwash, rinse, waste, closed, recirculate, and winter. This guide explains the function of these setting and shows how they circulate water in a typical sand filter. The operation of a DE multiport valve is very similar.
Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Parts
Click Here to View All Multiport Valves
Steve Posted: 2/18/2013
I've recently taken over a house with a swimming pool and went to backwash the sand filter fitted with a multi port valve.In the backwash position a small amount of dirty water was expelled from the return ports to the pool.Is this normal?I am able to close the return line to the pool if required.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 11/23/2012
EricGM - Please refer to the following How To Guide for instructions on cleaning a green pool: How to Clean a Green Swimming Pool.Reply
EricGM Posted: 11/21/2012
If a pool has been idle for a while (with some mold growing) and uses the multi port valve system. What would be the best process for opening the pool. Which setting should I use to completely filter the water through the skimmer and what chemicals should I use?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 10/12/2012
jennifer - Most pool owners do not use this valve position. It is usually used to empty the pump basket when the pool sits much higher than the pump.Reply
jennifer Posted: 10/10/2012
What is an example if why the closed setting would be used?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/23/2012
Jp - You may have a blown spider gasket in your multiport valve. See our how to guide on replacing a spider gasket. Make sure that you remember to turn off the pump each time you have to more the valve setting.Reply
Jp Posted: 9/20/2012
After back washing my pool I turned the pump Back to filter and water is coming out of the backwash pipe. What happened? I back washed the other day also because my pool was green. So to clean it I back washed, applied chemicals for 36 hours and then back washed again. Only the second time is when it started coming out the backwash pipe. Please help and thanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/10/2012
Jaime - Sorry for the late response - I lost this one. Did you and can you shut off the pipe to the skimmer. To establish prime you have to shut off any input to the pump that isn't covered with water. Otherwise it will suck in air to the pump and cause the pump to lose prime.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/10/2012
vacuuming filter position - If you are vacuuming significant debris or have algae issues, use the WASTE position to keep debris/algae out of the filter. For normal vacuuming, use the FILTER position. A RECIRCULATION setting bypasses the filter but returns the water (and debris) back into the pool. You should never vacuum on the BACKWASH setting. It would clog the laterals at the bottom of the filter.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 9/9/2012
I have a Hayward motor vari flo xl and need to know what position the arm should be in to vacume the pool? Recirculate or backwash or waste out? Thank you!Reply
Jaime Posted: 9/1/2012
I am draining my pool to have some rust stains cleaned on the plaster of my in ground gunite pool. I drained it all the way to the bottom by using the skimmer/main drain valves switches while on waste mode. It rained for 2 days and filled up about a foot of water in the deep end area and I can't get the pump to drain out the rest following the same steps. Do I need to do something special? I've tried to "prime" the Hayward pump basket by adding water but it's not helping either. I have a Hayward Tristar pump. Thanks.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/1/2012
LynneB - Not sure where the water is coming out and going all over the floor. If it's coming out of the waste port, you should have waste water hose attached to the waste port to take the water out to a drainage area.Reply
LynneB Posted: 8/30/2012
Hello,Our instructions to do a backwash are as follows:
Turn off power switch
Close water valves
Empty filter basket and rinse
Open water valves
Set dial to backwash and flip power switch for 4 minutes
Turn switch off
Set dial to recirculate and flip switch for 1.5 minutes
Turn switch off and set dial to rinse for 30 seconds
Turn switch ff replace filter and close cap.
Tuen to filter and turn on switch
Are the valves supposed to be open duing the back wash?
The water comes out of the filter all over the floor.
Is this normal?
Thanks,
lynne
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/30/2012
BrandonJames - This sounds like you may have reinstalled the valve backwards. Check that the water line from the pump is going to the top input port on your valve and the water line from the valve to the pool is coming from the bottom return port.Reply
BrandonJames Posted: 8/28/2012
Hello I have a Hayward 7 way sand filter. I recently replaced the diverter valve. When I turn on waste and backwash it operates normally. When on backwash nothing comes out of waste and a few bubble come out of return. On filter water comes slowly out of the return but after a few seconds it looks like what should be going out waste on backwash is going into the pool.. Any ideas. Thanks!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/17/2012
Jamie - It sounds like you may be having problems with the parts around the handle. See our guides on how to replace the valve handle or how to replace the valve handle spring for information on repairing that part of your multiport valve.Reply
jamie Posted: 8/15/2012
hi, just purchased a homw with a pool that has sat unused or taken care of. During the process or trying to recover the pool from this state, the sand filter started to leak from the top of the handle of the diverter valve. While I have researched the replacement spider gasket for the diverter, as it seems to be a common problem. But I am curious as to if there could be something else going on because what started as a small leak has turned into water gushing and literally spraying from the handle in all modes of operation. Also there in no leak to waste when divertor isn't set to flow there. Thanks.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/13/2012
Larry - Air in your system is usually caused by an air leak on the suction side of your pump. The filter is on the pressure side. See our how to guide on checking for air leaks.Reply
Larry Posted: 8/10/2012
I'm getting air bubbles from return to pool. I think I can hear water rushing in the Hayward multi valve. Does the valve need some attention? What can I try? Thank you for any advise.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/26/2012
Sand in filter mode - Your filter should operate in filter mode when filtering your pool water. If it is blowing sand, it sounds like your spider gasket is blown and will need to be replaced.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/24/2012
Ok so i got a sand filter pump from a friend and i do not know what to put it on is it recirculate or filter? When i do filter it shoots out sand like crazy what am i doing wrong?Reply
KiminSpain Posted: 7/17/2012
My partner ran the filter with all the valves in the off position - after a while the pump cut out - it comes back on again but cuts out again after a few minutes. If it is overheating, what can we do about it? Thx for any infoReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/9/2012
Dave - Still sounds like a spider gasket issue. Do you turn the pump off each time before you move the valve handle to a new position? If not, you may be damaging the gasket. Also check the handle spring to make sure it is placing enough pressure on the spider gasket.Reply
Dave Spoonemore Posted: 7/8/2012
brand new sand filter hayward s244 300lbs sand properly put in. problem is in backwash and rinse and waste out it still runs small amount into pool also out waste hose but dont seem to have as much pressure as needed sand sound like its sucking by or something in top filter seems fine plenty of pressure back to pool tookk back they put new seal but same issueReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/30/2012
donna - Most of the filters have tabs that fit into groves so that there is only one way to reassemble the filter top assembly.Reply
donna fouts Posted: 6/30/2012
need to know how to put valve back in the proper position to put back together after replacing spider gasketReply
SpokaneSam Posted: 6/26/2012
I have a Sta-Rite Swimquip Level Push-Pull Backwash Filter.I am getting slow flow from the discharge tube after the backwash has been complete and the push-pull valve is closed.
I have tried to open and close the push-pull valve several times ... but there is still a slow flow into the discharge pipe.
Can you help?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/25/2012
You may have a weak or broken spring under the handle and possibly a broken bearing washer. See our guide on replacing a valve handle.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/23/2012
Water is leaking out the backwash while in Filter mode thus draining my pool. How do I tighten the valve handle it seems loose in each setting. Plus there are two white tablets that turn with valve handle. Should those be there or can they be removed? It seems like that could be keeping the handle from going all the way down in each setting.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/12/2012
Kim, Check that there are no cracks in the lower body of the valve. And I have to ask, do you shut off the pump each time you change the valve setting? If you don't, it will blow your new spider gasket.Reply
Kim Posted: 6/11/2012
We had leaking from our ports when we had it on filter, water was still coming out of our waste pipe. We had the spider gasket replaced and we have now replaced the top of the multiport valve but we still have water coming out when it is on filter. Any suggestions?Reply
Keebler1029 Posted: 6/10/2012
Hi... I have a Hayward Dial a Flo multi port valve. The settings are 1/2 port, full port 1, full port 2 and closed. I don't know what I should set it at for everyday filtering or vacuuming. Thank youReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/4/2012
Valve leaking - Generally this is an indication that you spider valve is worn or not seating in place properly and may need to be replaced. Also check that your handle spring is strong enough to provide a tight seal at each valve setting. Remember to turn your pump off every time you change your valve setting.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/3/2012
water is leaking our of the waste port in filteration mode. How do I stop this or is this normalReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/3/2012
samantha - I'm trying to get a collection of pictures of valve labels from the vendor that should help you. Most valve manufacturers do not sell replacement labels. On the most common Hayward multiport valve, the setting sequence starting at rinse and going clockwise is: rinse, filter, waste, winter (notch raised), closed, backwash, and recirculate.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/3/2012
amber - - I'm trying to get a collection of pictures of valve labels from the vendor that should help you. Most valve manufacturers do not sell replacement labels. On the most common Hayward multiport valve, the setting sequence starting at rinse and going clockwise is: rinse, filter, waste, winter (notch raised), closed, backwash, and recirculate.Reply
samantha Posted: 6/2/2012
my labels are completely worn off the top of my hayward sand filter. the top left ends with an ---se so I believe it is "rinse", the top notch is blank, the top right notch is "waste", the next is blank, the next is "close", the nxt is blank and the next is as well. the next would be back to the rinse notch. I cannot find any serial #s or model either. can you help me figure this out? i cannot find a picture or anything from that view. Thank you.Reply
amber Posted: 6/2/2012
The label on my mpv is gone. I just bought my house and need to know which positions are which. I have a Hayward sand filter, model s244s.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/1/2012
carebear - Something is clogging your filter. If you just opened your pool and it has a lot of debris, you may have to backwash several times to repeatedly clear your filter. Also check your instructions for adding DE. You might have too much in the system.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/31/2012
No recirculate - I guess your only option is to agitate the water manually with your net for a while to spread it around.Reply